Sustainable valorization of Alpinia galanga pseudostem fibers for characterization and materials engineering applications
Abstract The growing emphasis on sustainability has spurred interest in natural fibers as renewable and biodegradable alternatives to synthetic materials. This study explores the underutilized pseudostem fibers of Alpinia galanga (A. galanga), a perennial herb of the Zingiberaceae family, widely cul...
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| Format: | Article |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95251-z |
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| author | Saira S Babu N. Jiyas Indu Sasidharan K. Bindu Kumar V. P. Thomas Binoy T. Thomas Mathew Dan |
| author_facet | Saira S Babu N. Jiyas Indu Sasidharan K. Bindu Kumar V. P. Thomas Binoy T. Thomas Mathew Dan |
| author_sort | Saira S Babu |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract The growing emphasis on sustainability has spurred interest in natural fibers as renewable and biodegradable alternatives to synthetic materials. This study explores the underutilized pseudostem fibers of Alpinia galanga (A. galanga), a perennial herb of the Zingiberaceae family, widely cultivated for its rhizomes in traditional medicine and culinary practices. Despite its economic and ethnobotanical significance, the pseudostems are often discarded as agricultural waste, contributing to environmental challenges. This research investigates the structural, chemical, and mechanical properties of A. galanga fibers, revealing their high cellulose and lignin content and lightweight nature making them viable for lightweight composite applications. To overcome inherent limitations such as high moisture content and limited mechanical performance, the fibers underwent alkaline and permanganate chemical treatments. Advanced characterization techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and tensile strength testing, were employed to evaluate the effects of these treatments on thermal stability, crystallinity, and mechanical performance. Results demonstrated significant enhancements in tensile strength, thermal resistance, and structural integrity, underscoring the fibers’ potential as eco-friendly reinforcement agents in composite materials. This pioneering study not only provides the first comprehensive characterization of A. galanga pseudostem fibers but also offers a sustainable solution to agricultural waste management, advancing the development of renewable, high-performance materials and promoting circular economy practices. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-43db79ada0304b0dbe09f520c09f8e55 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-43db79ada0304b0dbe09f520c09f8e552025-08-20T02:10:21ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-03-0115111410.1038/s41598-025-95251-zSustainable valorization of Alpinia galanga pseudostem fibers for characterization and materials engineering applicationsSaira S Babu0N. Jiyas1Indu Sasidharan2K. Bindu Kumar3V. P. Thomas4Binoy T. Thomas5Mathew Dan6Department of Botany, CATH Herbarium, Catholicate CollegeDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Government Engineering CollegeDepartment of Chemistry, Government Engineering CollegeDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Government Engineering CollegeDepartment of Botany, CATH Herbarium, Catholicate CollegeDepartment of Botany, CATH Herbarium, Catholicate CollegeJawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research InstituteAbstract The growing emphasis on sustainability has spurred interest in natural fibers as renewable and biodegradable alternatives to synthetic materials. This study explores the underutilized pseudostem fibers of Alpinia galanga (A. galanga), a perennial herb of the Zingiberaceae family, widely cultivated for its rhizomes in traditional medicine and culinary practices. Despite its economic and ethnobotanical significance, the pseudostems are often discarded as agricultural waste, contributing to environmental challenges. This research investigates the structural, chemical, and mechanical properties of A. galanga fibers, revealing their high cellulose and lignin content and lightweight nature making them viable for lightweight composite applications. To overcome inherent limitations such as high moisture content and limited mechanical performance, the fibers underwent alkaline and permanganate chemical treatments. Advanced characterization techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and tensile strength testing, were employed to evaluate the effects of these treatments on thermal stability, crystallinity, and mechanical performance. Results demonstrated significant enhancements in tensile strength, thermal resistance, and structural integrity, underscoring the fibers’ potential as eco-friendly reinforcement agents in composite materials. This pioneering study not only provides the first comprehensive characterization of A. galanga pseudostem fibers but also offers a sustainable solution to agricultural waste management, advancing the development of renewable, high-performance materials and promoting circular economy practices.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95251-zSustainabilityNatural fibersAlpinia galangaPermanganate treatmentsFibre characterisation |
| spellingShingle | Saira S Babu N. Jiyas Indu Sasidharan K. Bindu Kumar V. P. Thomas Binoy T. Thomas Mathew Dan Sustainable valorization of Alpinia galanga pseudostem fibers for characterization and materials engineering applications Scientific Reports Sustainability Natural fibers Alpinia galanga Permanganate treatments Fibre characterisation |
| title | Sustainable valorization of Alpinia galanga pseudostem fibers for characterization and materials engineering applications |
| title_full | Sustainable valorization of Alpinia galanga pseudostem fibers for characterization and materials engineering applications |
| title_fullStr | Sustainable valorization of Alpinia galanga pseudostem fibers for characterization and materials engineering applications |
| title_full_unstemmed | Sustainable valorization of Alpinia galanga pseudostem fibers for characterization and materials engineering applications |
| title_short | Sustainable valorization of Alpinia galanga pseudostem fibers for characterization and materials engineering applications |
| title_sort | sustainable valorization of alpinia galanga pseudostem fibers for characterization and materials engineering applications |
| topic | Sustainability Natural fibers Alpinia galanga Permanganate treatments Fibre characterisation |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95251-z |
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